Great Aspirations
Great Aspirations | ||||
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EP by TC&I | ||||
Released | 7 October 2017 (2017-10-07) | |||
Recorded | 2016 | |||
Studio |
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Length | 15:19 | |||
Label | PledgeMusic | |||
Producer | TC&I | |||
TC&I chronology | ||||
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Great Aspirations is the debut record by English duo TC&I (bassist Colin Moulding and drummer Terry Chambers, both formerly of the band XTC). The EP was released on 7 October 2017. The record marked the first recordings made by Chambers since 1984 when, after leaving XTC, he relocated to Australia and joined the band Dragon, touring with them from 1983 to 1984 and recording an album. With the exception of guest appearances as a session vocalist, bass player, and collaborator on several albums, the EP also marked the return to recording by Moulding, his first new recordings since XTC's disbandment in 2006.[1]
Release
Dave Franklin of the Swindon Advertiser reviewed the EP as "something tasteful, deftly wrought, restrained and wonderfully English, West Country…. Swindonian even, if you are close enough to get the references."[2]
XTC co-founder Andy Partridge praised "Scatter Me" and "Kenny" as his favourite cuts on the record, and wished "Colin (and Terry) all the best in the world."[3]
Promotion
TC&I played six sold-out shows at Swindon Arts Centre in October and November 2018, their first live performances together in 35 years. A subsequent live recording of the sixth and last show, Naked Flames, was released on 9 August 2019. It was the only night in which the recording was not plagued by technical issues. Some songs they performed were omitted from the album due to Moulding's dissatisfaction with the band's playing.[4]
Dissolution
In January 2019, a statement released through social media announced that TC&I had disbanded, and that Moulding had once again put his music career on hold in order to spend more time with his family.[5][better source needed] Moulding stated that he was not interested in pursuing a tour, as the performances were simply to satisfy "a curiosity", but said that Chambers may continue playing gigs.[6]
Track listing
All songs written by Colin Moulding.
- "Scatter Me" – 4:32
- "Greatness (The Aspiration Song) – 3:53
- "Kenny" – 4:33
- "Comrades of Pop" – 2:23
Personnel
TC&I
- Terry Chambers – drums, percussion, backing vocals
- Colin Moulding – guitars, basses, keyboards, lead vocals
Additional musicians
- Alan Bateman – saxophone and trumpet on "Kenny" and "Scatter Me"
- Susannah Bevington – soprano voice on "Scatter Me"
- Mikey Rowe – Farfisa organ and ornate tinkling on "Scatter Me"
Technical
- TC&I – producers, engineers, design concept
- Stuart Rowe – mixing
- John Bucket – engineer
- Pete Hewington – assistant engineer
- Jason Mitchell – mastering
- Geoff Winn – photography
- Andrew Swainson – design
References
- ^ Ham, Robert (26 November 2017). "Colin Moulding on Reteaming With Terry Chambers for 'DIY' New Project & Possibility of XTC Reunion". Billboard.
- ^ Franklin, Dave (9 November 2017). "ALL ABOUT: Great aspirations: TC&I". Swindon Advertiser.
- ^ Andy Partridge [@xtcfans] (11 February 2018). "Stu gave me a copy of Colin's EP, when 'he could'. I liked SCATTER ME and KENNY. I wish Colin (and Terry) all the best in the world" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Martin, Ryan (26 August 2019). "Jammerzine Exclusive: An Interview with TC&I's Colin Moulding". Jammerzine (Audio). Event occurs at 27:00.
- ^ "Kieron Bowker". Facebook.com. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
- ^ Martin, Ryan (26 August 2019). "Jammerzine Exclusive: An Interview with TC&I's Colin Moulding". Jammerzine (Audio). Event occurs at 36:00.
External links
- TC&I on Facebook
- Great Aspirations on Chalkhills
- v
- t
- e
- Andy Partridge
- Colin Moulding
- Terry Chambers
- Barry Andrews
- Dave Gregory
- White Music
- Go 2
- Drums and Wires
- Black Sea
- English Settlement
- Mummer
- The Big Express
- 25 O'Clock
- Skylarking
- Psonic Psunspot
- Oranges & Lemons
- Nonsuch
- Apple Venus Volume 1
- Wasp Star (Apple Venus Volume 2)
- Waxworks: Some Singles 1977–1982
- Beeswax: Some B-Sides 1977–1982
- The Compact XTC
- Chips from the Chocolate Fireball
- Explode Together: The Dub Experiments 78-80
- Rag and Bone Buffet: Rare Cuts and Leftovers
- Drums and Wireless: BBC Radio Sessions 77–89
- Fossil Fuel: The XTC Singles 1977–92
- Upsy Daisy Assortment
- Transistor Blast: The Best of the BBC Sessions
- Coat of Many Cupboards
- Apple Box
- Psurroundabout Ride
- "Statue of Liberty"
- "This Is Pop?"
- "Life Begins at the Hop"
- "Making Plans for Nigel"
- "Generals and Majors"
- "Towers of London"
- "Sgt. Rock (Is Going to Help Me)"
- "Respectable Street"
- "Senses Working Overtime"
- "Ball and Chain"
- "Wonderland"
- "Love on a Farmboy's Wages"
- "Thanks for Christmas"
- "All You Pretty Girls"
- "This World Over"
- "Wake Up"
- "Grass"
- "The Meeting Place"
- "Dear God"
- "Mayor of Simpleton"
- "King for a Day"
- "The Disappointed"
- "The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead"
- "Easter Theatre"
- A Testimonial Dinner: The Songs of XTC
- Fuzzy Warbles
- Great Aspirations
- Homespun
- Homegrown
- Take Away / The Lure of Salvage
- Waspstrumental
- XTC: This Is Pop
- Planet England